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Bulb Planting Tips with Times, Depths and Spacing

Bulbs, Corms, Tubers and Rhizomes for your Garden

Growing bulb type flowers is a very rewarding task, considering the ease of planting and the resulting flower shows.

If you didn't get exact planting directions with your bulbs, there are a couple general
rules of thumb that you can usually rely on when it comes planting and growing bulbs.

1. The pointy end always goes up! If you put the point down, your plant will still grow... but upside down.
It will eventually get turned right side up and probably reward you with a crooked flower.

2. Plant the bulb 2-2½ times deeper than the width of the bulb. Obviously, this rule doesn't apply to surface grown plants like Amaryllis and Iris

3. Remove spent flowers promptly, but allow the foliage to continue to grow until it dies back naturally.(The foliage will produce the nutrients that are needed to provide the next years flowers)

4. Most bulbs should be dug and divided in early spring, or in the fall while they are dormant

As a general rule, the colder your climate, the earlier you plant your spring flowering bulbs.
In colder northern climates, plant in September or October.
In warmer planting zones you may need to wait to plant bulbs until December or later.

The only universal rule is that, spring flowering bulbs must be planted before the first hard frost. Spring bulbs need a couple of months of chilling time (below 40 degrees F.) to produce their flower spike, which is why it is necessary to plant them in the fall.

By utilizing a mix of early and late flowering bulbs, you will have your own flower show which may last two months or longer.

Whether you prefer your bulbs naturalized into the landscape, clustered in groups or standing in a single line, there are a few things which you should consider and some planning you should do before you begin planting them.